Commissioners address ME shortage

Mar. 16—County growth has stretched the resources of the Johnson County Medical Examiner's Office thin, County ME Gary Morris said during Monday's meeting of the Johnson County Commissioners Court.

Along with Morris, the office operates with three investigators and one clerk.

"We're seeing a lot more," Morris said. "Eighteen years ago we'd get about 200 deaths a year. Now we're seeing about 1,050. We responded to 1,049 calls last year and have gone up about 70 calls a year to where we're averaging about three calls a day. We simply need more help."

The ME's office runs 24/7. Increased calls coupled with the amount of staff translates into investigators coming in for at least part of their days off to complete the required reports and paperwork tied to death investigations, Morris and a member of his staff said.

His office, Morris said, needs at least two additional full-time investigators.

"Hiring part-time investigators doesn't work," Morris said. "If you can find qualified people they're never, or rarely, available when we need them because they have other jobs."

As to the rigors of the job, commissioners Rick Bailey and Mike White agreed, calling it one of the hardest jobs in the county.

"With the growth and the way things are going we can burn these people out very quick," Bailey said. "We need to get them some help."

For now, Morris will have to wait for two full-time investigators, but commissioners on Monday met him halfway.

"The current situation is keeping the ME's office way too thin," Bailey said. "The question is, do we wait until next year's budget or address this now?"

Commissioners chose the latter course. They agreed to hire one full-time investigator for now at a starting salary of about $53,000 plus benefits.

American Rescue Plan Act money will fund the position at least through the end of the current fiscal year. Morris, during budget talks for the upcoming year, will likely request an additional investigator.

Job well done

Commissioners congratulated Carol Alexander for her 16 years of service to the county.

Alexander, who recently retired, worked several positions throughout her career in the Johnson County District Clerk's Office and served as the as the E-file clerk during the past few years.

"I've got a great group of people, probably the best I've ever had," Johnson County District Clerk David Lloyd said. "Carol was a huge part of that team. She was just a dedicated, hard worker who brought a lot to our office and contributed a lot to the county. She's certainly going to be missed by all of us."

Alexander returned the compliment.

"I love David Lloyd and everyone in the office and I really enjoyed working for Johnson County," Alexander said.

Alexander added that she planned to work 20 years with the county but life intervened.

"I met the love of my life," Alexander said.

She now plans to enjoy romance and retirement.

"That's a good way to start the day," County Judge Chris Boedeker said.